Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle took every precaution during his Keegan-Michael Key–inspired celebration to avoid violating the NFL’s strict rules. But the officials flagged him, anyway. While he made appeals, it seems the league is unwilling to budge and fined him over $14,491, according to ESPN.

Now that the Panthers RB’s efforts have failed, Dowdle went on to make a humorous and anxious announcement.

“Starting a go fund me, they got me” Dowdle wrote while accepting his punishment on X.

While the league has already made its decision, Dowdle’s agent, David Canter, confirmed that they are appealing against the decision.

“We are appealing!” Canter wrote on X in response to Dowdle’s hilarious post.

Dowdle was flagged with a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct after his third-quarter TD in their 16–13 win over the Green Bay Packers. And it was the player’s understanding that his 2 pumps are allowed. He even shared that they discussed this during their meeting.

“I hope they don’t fine me,” Dowdle said after the incident, since he never did the third pump. On the other hand, the Panthers’ coach, Dave Canales, explained that the players need to be careful in such a situation.

“We’ve got to be smarter in that situation,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure that we understand the rules.”

Now, speaking of the NFL rule book, the rule says, “Prolonged or excessive celebrations or demonstrations by an individual player or multiple players” is prohibited.

For Hingle McCringleberry, the fictional rookie player of “Rhinos” from the “Key & Peele” sketch, the limit was two. So even the actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, the man who played Hingle McCringleberry, had to step in. And of course, he did it in true Key & Peele fashion.

“Rico! Man, you got robbed − you only did two pumps,” he said. “I’m sorry, man. Now I’m gonna have to write a new sketch.”

The clip quickly gained traction, which may have ultimately led to the hilarious “GoFundMe” stint. But there’s more to Dowdle’s hilarious request on social media.

Rico Dowdle’s “GoFundMe” stint has another purpose

Turns out, the “GoFundMe” thing might actually be real. The running back just dropped the link on his Instagram story, inviting fans and friends to help him raise a decent amount. But here’s the thing. It’s not about covering his fine.

There’s a good and noble reason behind his efforts. The Carolina native started this initiative to donate 100% of the proceeds to the Children’s Home Society back in his hometown. As per the site he shared, the donations will go to the 56-Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.

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“After much thought I’ve launched a GoFundMe for my fines,” his statement read. “Key said I got three pumps but I guess the NFL disagrees. Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to 56-Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Let’s raise some money.”

And now, he even got a nod from Key himself. So while his agent works on appealing the fine, the RB has turned the situation into an opportunity to help those who need it.